Wawa pays $12,500 for service dog refusal in Millville

TRENTON — Wawa Inc. has paid a Millville man more than $12,000 to resolve his allegation that he was denied service at one of the company’s stores because of his service dog, according to the state Division on Civil Rights.

The agreement, finalized last month, required Wawa to pay Patrick Stark $12,500 to settle his complaint about the June 13 incident, according to a release from the DCR.

Stark complained that he and his service dog, Copenhagen, entered the store to buy a sandwich but was told he would not be served unless he took his dog outside, according to the release.

When Stark tried to explain the dog was permitted by law to be in the store, a manager allegedly told him to leave.

Terms of the agreement also call for Wawa to post signs in its New Jersey stores advising that service dogs are wanted. The company also has agreed to train its New Jersey employees about laws affecting service animals and company police welcoming them, according to the news release.

By agreeing to these terms, the company reportedly admits no wrongdoing.

Stark told DCR investigators he requires a service dog because he has occasional seizures and Copenhagen is trained to assist him.